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Festival of Lights. Woodlawn’s festival is back with a kick off. Details on PAGE A3

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Students take top spot, win $22,500, at Estevan’s first-ever pitch contest Get holiday ready. Downtown association brings a bigger and better Miracle on Fourth back. PAGE A7

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Wyatt Thompson, left, and Logan Stewart were the winners of the Southeast Techhub’s inaugural pitch competition Friday night at the Southeast College’s Estevan campus.

By David Willberg The Southeast Techhub’s first-ever pitch competition for Estevan showcased plenty of ingenuity and creativity, and it was two Grade 12 students from the Carnduff Education Complex who took home the top prize. The event was held Friday night at the Southeast College’s Estevan campus. Dozens of people turned out to learn more about the tech-based innovations presented by the hopefuls. The pitch competition had a similar format to the TV shows Dragon’s Den and Shark Tank. Each of the entrepreneurs was given 15 minutes to explain their idea and what they would do with the $22,500 cash prize if they were selected as the winner. Then the five judges peppered the hopefuls with questions. Logan Stewart and Wyatt Thompson were selected as the winners for their business, Smart Irrigation, which is a portable irrigation system.

Keith Hesketh explained his proposed business, Long Creek Aquaponics.

Both come from an agriculture background, and they believe their idea would benefit farmers and ranchers while helping with food security. “Farmers right now have to buy an irrigation [system] for every field and that irrigation system is not actually able to reach the corners of the field,” said Thompson. They said afterwards they were stunned to win the pitch competition. “Ever since we started, everyone has been quite impressed with it,” said Thompson. “I didn’t think it would go this far.” They marvelled at the other ideas that were presented, and Stewart added he wouldn’t have wanted to be one of the judges. Not only is their design able to be moved to different sections of land, but it can also provide water to an entire parcel. They believe more farmers would turn to them because of their concept’s practicality. Stewart added it would become a time saver. “It would extend in the field to reach the corners and then shrink up and fold up for transport,” said Stewart. While the portable unit has to be longer to reach the corners, they predicted it would save farmers money in the long run because of its advantages. They believe their primary competition would be from centre-pivot irrigation systems. Thompson said those are well built and known to farmers, but they aren’t portable and it takes time to assemble them and take them apart. He added that centre-pivot misses about 15 per cent of a field, which on a quarter section of land, amounts to 24 acres. That adds up when a farmer has over a dozen quarter sections. “The telescopic feature on this allows us to make it road legal so you don’t have to do any disassembly … you just simply unhook your water source, and fold onto it and hook onto it … and

bring it to your next field,” said Thompson. They would hook into the water in the same way as current irrigation systems. Thompson and Stewart came up with the idea last year as a school project. Their respective farms were going through a drought and they were trying to come up with an idea that could help farmers. They presented Smart Irrigation at a regional science fair, advanced to the national science fair and have been working on the concept ever since. “We are still improving on the models to this day,” said Thompson. Stewart and Thompson don’t know how much it will cost to produce or sell one of the units, and they’re not sure how long it will take before it’s available on the market. In the meantime, they’re going to keep working on the project, they’ll finish their Grade 12 years, and they’re going to seek post-secondary education. The money from winning the pitch competition will go towards getting the project into development. The other presenters were: *Steven Hansen, a worker in the oil and gas industry who is the founder of StreamTech, a cloud-based business management platform. It was built to digitize and optimize safety, compliance, equipment management and employees in the energy sector. StreamTech aims to help energy companies digitize their day-to-day operations, which he said would be a time saver. *Rod Cullen is an employee of the Westmoreland Mining LLC who started Predator Inspections earlier this year. Using sensors on drones, invisible energy is captured, which benefits businesses. He also uses sensors to accurately create digital twins, which are hundreds of photos stitched together into a 3-D model for organization communication and business efficiency. The digital twins can be used for preventative maintenance purposes, and the company’s technology A2 » PITCH

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Robert Kitchen seeking another term as MP The member of Parliament for Souris-Moose Mountain will be seeking another term when the next federal election is called. Robert Kitchen says he will be vying for the Conservative Party's nomination, and should he win it, would be the party's candidate. A nomination meeting has not been scheduled. He has been the MP for the southeast constituency since 2015. All three of his electoral victories have been decisive. When he was re-elected in 2021, he captured 76.4 per cent of the popular vote. "I've learned an awful lot," said Kitchen in an interview with SaskToday. "I've always said from Day 1 that as long as I'm learning

something new every day, then I see that as being of value, and I will continue to do that. The job is always a learning thing; there's so much to learn as we move forward, so those are things I look forward to." Kitchen wants to promote the agriculture, mining, and oil and gas sectors as much as possible, and he hopes he can do it from the government side of the House of Commons after the next election. The Tories have been in opposition since Kitchen was elected in October 2015. The date for the next federal election is unknown, as the Liberals currently have a minority government that is supported by the federal New Democratic Party. The next

scheduled vote is in the fall of 2025, but it could be earlier if the NDP withdraws its backing of the Liberals on confidence votes. He admits it's been challenging to make things happen while in opposition. "The steps that I've looked for have been to try to make certain that I've been able to get constituents to where they need to be," said Kitchen. The fact that the Tories currently lead in the polls is a "bonus", he said, but polls are only as good as the results on election day. Kitchen said he hopes nobody will oppose him for the Tories' nomination, but he'd be ready if anyone did. "I'd like to think that after

three terms, people have seen what I've been able to do and continue to do, and I will continue to fight on their behalf." If an election were to happen, he has his team ready to go. But it's hard to say when, or if, the NDP would back away from its current arrangement with the Liberals. "I know I would like to have the election as soon as possible and to move forward, but as to whether they will hold off for another two years, we won't know that for a while," said Kitchen. He has enjoyed meeting and talking with constituents in the past eight years, and he looks forward to remaining in his current role.

Souris-Moose Mountain MP Robert Kitchen

Pitch party expected to be annual event « A1 allows simulations to be reliable and accurate. *Keith Hesketh pro-

moted his plans for Long Creek Aquaponics, a greenhouse and fish farming busi-

ness that he wants to establish in southeast Estevan. While he admits vegetables and fish are two different concepts, he wants to harmonize the two by taking nutrient-rich water from fish tanks and circulating it through floating beds of lettuce to minimize the environmental impact in greenhouse operations. The model

they have chosen would grow about 3,500 heads of lettuce per week and 200 pounds of maple-smoked trout. He believes the amount should be sustainable and profitable in a city of this size. Other products could also be grown. The judges for the event were Suzanne McNabb with SaskPower, Mike Wolsfeld with Startup TNT, Andria Brady

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with Community Futures Sunrise, Kevin Chung with Innovation Saskatchewan and Timothy Spielman with Southeast College. Gordon More from the Southeast Techhub said SaskPower provided $20,000 of the winning prize, thanks in large part to the efforts of Leanne Persicke from the Crown corporation, while SaskTel contributed the other $2,500. Thompson and Stewart also won a free three-dimensional licence for computeraided design, which allows them to continue to develop and expand their models. More will be their mentor, giving them advice on how

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to grow their business. The two students will have full access to the Techhub and its resources, an office in the building and a business licence. More praised the other entrants in the pitch competition. “I don’t know how the judges could have ever decided who was going to win. They were all very innovative and very original. The other thing I liked about it was every pitch was different,” said More. The event was streamed on YouTube, so people unable to attend the competition could watch it online. More said some venture capitalists were expected to be in the online audience. “I have a strong feeling that some of these presenters are going to get a phone call tomorrow or the next day,” More predicted. More expects this will be an annual event, and it will be bigger and better each time.

Christmas Bingo Presents:

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-Final Date to enter is December 17 at 11:59 pm. -Draw Date is December 18 with the winners being contacted and their names published on December 20 in the Estevan Mercury and December 22 in the Carlyle Observer. -Read through the Estevan Mercury on November 22, 29 and December 6 and 13, AND the Carlyle Observer on November 24 and December 1, 8 and 15 to find the winning Bingo Numbers. Can be found on www.sasktoday.ca/other/digital-edition-links#south -You can enter to win by having a Blackout, X, Any Two Lines, Any One Line, or No Lines. All entries are eligible to win a prize. Winners will be drawn at random for each prize level corresponding to their Bingo Card. -Numbers have to be legible in order to verify win. If we can not verify the number the card will be disqualified. -Participants may enter more than one Bingo Card (photocopies or reproductions in any way will be disqualified). -Participants can enter by dropping the Bingo Cards off at the Estevan Mercury and Carlyle Observer offices, or email to contests@estevanmercury.ca If you enter by email, the picture must be in colour, back and front, and must be presented in person if it is a winning Bingo Card. -Prizes will be listed in the Estevan Mercury and the Carlyle Observer, along with all rules. -Only a select number of individually numbered Bingo Cards have been printed.

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Festival of Lights to kick off with Christmas in the Park Woodlawn Regional Park is bringing the community together once again for a holiday celebration. The annual Festival of Lights will officially start with Christmas in the Park – an afternoon of fun activities which will come to an end with fireworks at 6:30 p.m. and the first light-up of the displays at dusk. Christmas in the Park is slated for Dec. 17 from 3:30-6:30 p.m. with activities happening in and around Doug Third Hall at Woodlawn. The free event will offer hot dogs and hot chocolate, road hockey with Estevan Great North U18 AAA Bears, photos with Santa, a winter campfire, horse and wagon rides and Christmas crafts with the Estevan Art Gallery and Museum. The Festival of Lights will run Dec. 17-Jan. 1, starting at dusk every night. People are invited to drive or walk through about 50 lit-up creative

displays built by local businesses, community organizations and individuals. Admission is free, and donations are welcome at the exit of displays. Park manager Maureen Daoust said a few participants took a break this year, but several people were joining the event, so as of the end of November, they were on par with last year. The duration of the festival was shortened due to a lack of volunteer availability. "It's a lot of work for our volunteers because we have somebody that goes down every night to make sure that everything is up and running. And then we usually have somebody that goes down later in the night to collect the donations, etc. So, because we're limited with volunteers, we had to cut it short," Daoust explained. She noted that the park is working on a new feature this year, setting up a

music accompaniment for the event. "We don't have everything in place yet, but we bought an FM transmitter so that when people come into the park, they can tune into a station and there will be a loop playing with Christmas music and potentially greetings from some of the participants," Daoust said. "We've been working on [music] the last couple of years … We have most of the equipment here, we just have to get it installed and ready to go. We have the next month to make sure that everything's up and running. We just wanted to add a new feature." The park is still accepting applications to set up a display, and if anyone is interested in promoting what they do while also entertaining others during the holiday season, they can reach out to Daoust via email at manager@woodlawnre- The Festival of Lights will be on display at Woodlawn Regional gionalpark.com. Park from Dec. 17-Jan. 1, starting at dusk every night. File photo

Blaze Dunn named Young Philanthropist of the Year award By Stephanie Zoer Blaze Dunn is a happy nine-yearold boy who loves to help other people, especially when it comes to other kids. Blaze lives with his parents Perry and Carole-Lyne Dunn and two older brothers, Logan and Evan, in the Carlyle area. Young Blaze is no ordinary kid. He was born with clubfoot, which resulted in three surgeries so far. At five days of age, he received his first corrective casts and his first tenotomy when he was three months old. Over the next several years, he had corrective casts and two more surgeries by the time he was five. Blaze was also born with strabismus (cross eyed) which required surgery around the age of three. Things seemed to go pretty good for Blaze until August 2022, when he was diagnosed with tethered spine syndrome. He needed further testing before surgery could be performed. A week after his diagnosis, he was riding his bike and did not stop at the end of his driveway. His mother Carole-Lyne said this is every parents worse nightmare. He was run over by a trailer that was being pulled by a truck, breaking his humerus and femur. Blaze was airlifted to the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital in Saskatoon, where he underwent surgery.

Doctors and the physiotherapists were surprised to see how quickly he healed and gained mobility. Shortly after this, he received word he was cleared for his spine detethering surgery in May and while in the hospital, he met Saskatchewan Roughriders’ running back Frankie Hickson. It was at this time that his relationship with the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation’s ( JPCHF) team began. While Blaze was in the children’s hospital, he noticed the donor wall and being a curious boy, he asked what the names were for. His mother explained to him that philanthropists give from the heart to help other kids. He took this in and wanted to help other kids too, even though Blaze himself had his own struggles. It began with a lemonade stand and then a bake sale, and Blaze a Trail for Kids was born. More bake sales were held including two rodeos and Carlyle Fun Dayz, and they ran the Manor PBR canteen as well. Their goal started at $9,000 but soon exceeded that amount, with corporate donors and hometown hero sponsors, along with a $10,000 donation from Bev and Debra Dunn. Things slowed down in September and Blaze had surgery on his femur break from the previous year.

All together this would be his seventh surgery since he was born. During this time, Blaze was asked by the JPCHF and the Saskatchewan Roughriders Foundation to be their lottery ambassador. He made several commercials with some of the Roughrider players and then he was invited by the Mosaic Company to perform the coin toss at the Labour Day Classic game. Blaze was thrilled to be able to spread the word, with his motto being, “Never give up, Never go down and always keep trying.” On Nov. 8 while in Saskatoon for the JPCHF Radiothon, Blaze had two live radio interviews. It was at this time he announced the amount of his donation that had been collected over the past months. With the generosity of the people from southeast Saskatchewan, Blaze a Trail for Kids presented a cheque to the JPCHF for the amount of $50,260. Nov. 14 was another big event for Blaze when he was presented with the Youth Philanthropist of the Year Award by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) South Saskatchewan Chapter in Regina. He was nominated by the JPCHF. They would like to thank every person and business that made donations for this worthy cause.

Blaze Dunn was honoured with the Youth Philanthropist of the Year Award in Regina. Photo by Carole-Lyne Dunn Despite a busy year and lots of fundraising, Carole-Lyne said that her son wants to continue with his philanthropy. Teddy Bears Anonymous is his next project. This non-profit organization collects money for teddy bears and gives them to children in hospitals and palliative care across the province. These bears mean a lot to these kids when they are facing scary situations as the bears offer comfort. From now until Christmas, donations will be accepted for the bears. All the proceeds collected will go to Teddy

Bears Anonymous for them to purchase bears that will be cello wrapped. Blaze is very excited about his new adventure, and he hopes to make a lot of people happy with their own special bear. He still has several surgeries to go over the next few years, but this is his way and his parents’ way of giving back to a cause that has given them so much through the past, present and future visits at the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital, which helps children from across the province.

Cornerstone elects chair, vice-chair for 2023-24 The South East Cornerstone P ublic S c hool Division held its annual organizational meeting on Nov. 22 in Weyburn as part of its monthly public board meeting. For the second consecutive year, the team of Audrey Trombley and Jim Vermeersch were acclaimed as chairwoman and vicechairman, respectively. Trombley represents Subdivision 5, which has schools in Fillmore, Stoughton, Midale and Macoun, and is well-versed with the chairwoman’s role, having

held the position for 13 of the years since six school divisions were amalgamated into Cornerstone in 2006. Ve r m e e r s c h r e p r e sents Subdivision 2 (Arcola, Carlyle, Manor, Maryfield and Wawota). He joined the board in 2018 as a trustee for Estevan, but has since moved to Subdivision 2 and has been the trustee for Subdivision 2 since 2020. The annual election of the chairperson and vicechairperson for one-year terms occurs at the school division’s public organizational meeting each November.

Other current trustees are Kevin Keating and Eric McCrimmon for the city of Estevan; Megan Schick and Norma Hewitt-Lendrum ( Weyburn); Devona Putland (Subdivision 1); Jim Henderson (Subdivision 3); Tami Scott (Subdivision 4); and Michelle DeBruyne (Subdivision 6). The school division map can be viewed on the division’s website. During the organizational meeting, the following appointments were approved for 2023-24: •Audit committee: Ver-

meersch, Keating, Henderson; •Saskatchewan School Boards Association, public section: Henderson; •Saskatchewan High Schools Athletics Association AGM representative: DeBruyne, with Schick as the alternate; •Ad hoc committee regarding Estevan facilities: Keating and McCrimmon; •Ad hoc committee for the Carlyle facilities: Vermeersch, Scott and Putland; •Board budget managers: Trombley and Vermeersch;

•Governance/human resources: Hewitt-Lendrum, Scott, Schick and Devona Putland; •Bargaining appointments (observer status): chairperson, vice-chairperson or McCrimmon. In addition, the board set dates for their regular board meetings which, unless changed by motion, are scheduled to be held at the school division office in Weyburn, commencing at 1 p.m. The remaining meeting for 2023 is on Dec. 20. Meetings for 2024 are slated for Jan. 17, Feb. 14, March 27,

April 24, May 22, June 19, Sept. 18, Oct. 15 and Nov. 20. Next year’s organizational meeting has been scheduled to be held at the school division office on Nov. 20 at 1:30 p.m. It will be the first meeting after the 2024 school board elections.

Holiday Menu Soup

Lobster Bisque Small or Large

Appetizers

Baja Stuffed Jalapeno Peppers Stuffed with cream cheese wrapped in bacon with a Jumbo Shrimp topper...served with ranch.

Pico de Gallo Freshly made to order; tomatoes, onions, lime and cilantro. Served with corn chips.

Spinach Dip A delicious blend of baked spinach and cream cheese. Served with pita triangles.

Entrees

Prime Rib

10oz - 14oz - 16oz Our AAA Canadian Prime Rib is slowly roasted and perfectly seasoned Served with our Au Jus sauce. (To ensure freshness, while quantity lasts).

Homemade Chicken Cordon Bleu

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Steak & Lobster

Our AAA Canadian beef is cut to order and prepared your way Served with 6 oz Lobster Tail.

Seafood Delight

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6oz Lobster Tail, accompanied with a Salmon Fillet and Butterfly Shrimp. Entrees are served with your choice of our homemade soup of the day or a salad (Caesar or Tossed), Choice of Potato (Fries, Rice or Mashed and after 4pm Baked Potato) garlic toast and hot vegetable.

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EDITORIAL

Request shows there's work remaining for pedestrian safety Perhaps the most practical benefit of the integrated sidewalks and pathways project in Estevan is we're supposed to have a safe walking area throughout the city. But a request made at Monday night's meeting of Estevan city council shows there is still work to be done in the community. A request came in from Haley Weber to have a sidewalk added to Perkins Street from McDonald Road to where the residential area begins between Second and Third Avenue. There is a sidewalk on the north side of the street for a few blocks, but there are a couple of lengthy stretches on Perkins where pedestrians have to walk on the street, which is an arterial road that is part of the city's truck route. It's long been an accident waiting to happen, especially with so many kids crossing the street to get to a school, a playground and other amenities in the area. Yes, there's a pathway that runs from Fourth Avenue South to Kensington Avenue that is very scenic, but it's not as effective in addressing safety as a sidewalk on Perkins Street. Ruts on Perkins Street serve as a makeshift sidewalk, but ultimately people are still walking on the road. Council has deferred the request to budget

deliberations, which are scheduled to happen next week. (Thankfully, the request came in before the budget was discussed). We'll see if council decides to fulfill her request. It should also be noted that Weber did not ask to have a suitable walking area on Perkins from Second Avenue to Kensington Avenue, which is also in need of a sidewalk. The pathway and sidewalk project was a tremendous addition to the community. It hasn't just been a boon for recreation and spending time outdoors, it enhanced public safety. The east side of the community used to be a hazardous area for pedestrians. There wasn't anything east of Fourth Avenue on Perkins Street, east of Second Avenue on Fourth Street, or for most of Kensington Avenue. These aren't quiet residential areas, either. These are busy arterial roads. It's astounding that roads used to be constructed in the first place without a suitable walking area. It certainly wouldn't be allowed now or at any time in the past 30 years. And there is always a long list of capital projects for the city to complete. Keep in mind, Kensington Avenue didn't have much in the way for pedestrian safety until the Estevan received substantial funding from the

federal and provincial governments for a pathway and a sidewalk to finally be constructed. Frankly, other than maybe some of those industrial roads that would have minimal pedestrian traffic, it's ridiculous that at one time any road, residential or commercial, could be built without something for walkers. The city has done a good job of setting money aside in the budget each year for sidewalk rehabilitation, whether it be repairing the walking areas that had been crumbling for some time or building new ones. Ask those who live along Wellock Road about the benefits of the sidewalk that was built near the Estevan Regional Nursing Home in 2017. And ask those who live in an area with repaired sidewalks about how nice they are. If the city needs to dedicate two or three years to get the sidewalk fully and properly built from McDonald Road to Kensington Avenue, then that's maybe what needs to happen. If the city is going to wait for the provincial government to come through with funding to resurface Perkins Street and build sidewalks at that time, then there's going to be an unnecessary wait. Creating the necessary pathways on an arterial road would help improve safety in an area where an upgrade is needed.

How is it possible in the 21st century? Published weekly by Prairie Newspaper Group Limited Partnership, 68 Souris Avenue N., Estevan, SK S4A 2M3.The Estevan Mercury is owned and operated by Prairie Newspaper Group Limited Partnership, a subsidiary of Glacier Media Inc. Advertising rates are available upon request and are subject to change without notice. Conditions of editorial and advertising content: The Estevan Mercury attempts to be accurate in Editorial and Advertising content; however, no guarantee is given or implied. The Estevan Mercury reserves the right to revise or reject any or all editorial and advertising content as the newspaper’s principals see fit. The Estevan Mercury will not be responsible for more than one incorrect insertion of an advertisement, and is not responsible for errors in advertisements except for the space occupied by such errors. The Estevan Mercury will not be responsible for manuscripts, photographs, negatives and other related material that may be submitted for possible publication. All of the Estevan Mercury’s content is protected by Canadian Copyright laws. Reviews and similar mention of material in this newspaper is granted on the provision that The Estevan Mercury receives credit. Otherwise, any reproduction without the permission of the publisher is prohibited. Advertisers purchase space and circulation only. Rights to any advertisement produced by The Estevan Mercury, including artwork, typography, photos, etc., remain the property of this newspaper. Advertisements or parts thereof may not be reproduced or assigned without the consent of the publisher.

We tend to think that the present must be better than the past. We often believe that history carries us upwards so that we should always progress and have a more successful, safer and also more comfortable and interesting life than our ancestors and even ourselves a decade ago. Indeed, if we take particular markers such as violence levels, life expectancy or level of education, it would seem that we've progressed a lot and we must be happier than generations before us. At the same time, when we look around, read the news about numerous conflicts happening in the world, about the way people are acting, or assess our current living standards, it feels that things are not as great. "How is it possible in the 21st century?" is one of the most popular reactions to the news I've had and heard many times over the last few months and even years. With the fast development of technologies, it was easy to fall for the progressive 21st century. We didn't have cars just some 120 years ago, mass electrification wasn't yet a thing in the early 1900s, passenger planes didn't become widespread until about 100 years ago, television became mass media only in the mid 20th century, computers entered every household just 40 years ago, the Internet wasn't invented until 1983, smartphones came into our lives just about 15 years ago, and now we are watching AI entering all sectors. Besides, we know the history and tend to believe we don't repeat old mistakes. From this perspective, we assume that things like genocides should never happen again. But they do, over and over again. Apparently, even though we want to

Ana Bykhovskaia Twenty Lines About… believe in progression from point A to point B, history doesn't really work that way. Furthermore, western culture and politics came up with this progressive advance theory not that long ago. Our ancestors believed the future wouldn't be much different from their past and present, and if anything is to change, it's only for the worse. But with technological progress and advance in education, European philosophers and then other public persons started to believe that from now on, people will decide their future, and will make tomorrow better than yesterday. People have lived with these ideas for quite a while. Canadian and American pioneers built countries with the hope of a better future for their descendants. However, sociologists notice that people currently are rather pessimistic about where we are going to end up. Old conflicts raised their heads all over the world with people trying to resolve them in an ancient manner but using contemporary weapons. The polarization and division into us versus them, which was one of our main survival mechanisms thousands of years ago, is back again. Even the word pogrom, which I've never heard outside the historical context before, is back to news stories. (It's a violent riot incited to massacre or expel an ethnic or religious group, particularly Jews; the term entered the English language

from Russian to describe 19th- and 20th-century attacks on Jews in the Russian Empire). Even though the Israeli-Palestinian and Russian-Ukrainian wars are discussed the most in this part of the world, the bloodiest conflicts are happening in Africa. The civil Tigray War (202022) in Ethiopia claimed up to 600,000 lives.There are currently more than 45 armed conflicts in the Middle East and North Africa, as well as over 35 conflicts in Africa, in numbers, the most affected regions, according to the Geneva Academy. And even though the dry numbers of conflicts are on par with the previous years, there are also more radical, far-right wing and populist governments winning more and more votes in developed democracies from Europe to South America. Antisemitic moods are on the rise in many places. (Not that long ago I was in downtown Regina where a man was chanting for extermination of Jewish people. Similar words come from pro-Palestinian protests from all parts of the country and other regions – something, I thought we promised not to repeat about 80 years ago.) Polar attitudes, often focused on antiimmigration and particular groups in different states, are spreading like chemical contamination in the water. So, what went wrong and how is it possible that our progressing history took such a dramatic turn? Well, it didn't. We have always been good at forgetting past mistakes, and progress has never been a given or constant. Progress is not an axiom but rather one of the many theories trying to explain the world around us and one of the ideas we believe in. But regress is as possible in 21st century, if we collectively choose it.

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| Wednesday, November 29, 2023 | www.SASKTODAY.ca

David Willberg Willberg’s World

Who doesn’t love a good (pitch) party? I’ve written about my admiration for innovators in the past. Sometimes what they’re doing comes down to building a better mouse trap – taking an existing product and finding a way to improve upon it, even if that item has been around for decades. Other times they create something new, or they bring something new to the community. Regardless, they do something that I could never accomplish. And so they deserve our respect for devising something that is beneficial for us. The Southeast Techhub held its first-ever pitch party on Friday night. Five innovators brought forward their ideas for a panel of judges, with the winner receiving a $22,500 investment from SaskPower and SaskTel. The show was billed as being similar to the TV shows Dragon’s Den and Shark Tank, except the entrepreneurs wouldn’t have to give up a portion of their business to get the money, and they didn’t have to worry about an investor ridiculing them in an effort to score TV ratings and great video clips. But the four entrepreneurs still had to stand up in front of the audience, explain their business, product and/or service, and answer questions from the judges. They had to be on their feet and they had to know all their numbers. There was Steven Hansen, the oilfield worker from Weyburn who came up with StreamTech to reduce paperwork and improve efficiency in the energy sector. Coal miner Rod Cullen promoted his business, Predator Inspections, which uses cameras mounted on drones to assist local businesses. The business that I know some people thought would win, Keith Hesketh’s Long Creek Aquaponics, plans to grow lettuce and have a fish farm. (If I was a judge, a place to purchase trout would be enough to get my vote. But that’s one of the reasons why I would have no business being a judge). And then there were the winners: Wyatt Thompson and Logan Stewart, who are Grade 12 students at the Carnduff Education Complex.Their portable irrigation system might have actually been the easiest for me to comprehend, and you can certainly see how farmers would want to employ it. But it’s still in its infancy and it is going to take a lot of time and money to get off the ground. At one point, Gord More with the Southeast Techhub asked the crowd about what they were doing in Grade 12. I remember what I was doing. It’s not anything worth writing about. And it’s certainly not as impressive as potentially changing the way in which farmers water their crops. The pitch party was a good evening, and it’s one that hopefully set the stage for similar events in the future. It also reflects the ingenuity of people in our different industries in the southeast.Those in attendance heard presentations from farmers, a miner, and an oil and gas worker. It wasn’t all middle-age guys trying to force their way into the same sector. Hopefully next year there will be even more entrants, and a few women and a newcomer or two as well. Innovation is more important than ever in the southeast. We’re coming to a crossroads in our economy. We might not like it. I certainly don’t. But it’s inevitable. Some industries that we’ve relied on for so long might not be possible; others will have to look different to survive. So we have choices. We can bury our heads in the sand and pretend it’s not going to happen. We can sit on our hands, do nothing and be completely unprepared when it comes. Or we can adapt and have ideas in place so that when the change occurs, we’re as ready as possible. Some people get a little skittish when you talk about change and innovation. Truth is, we’ve been seeing innovation down here for years. Our farmers, our oilfield workers and so many others have been coming up with ideas to impact our lives since before I was born. We just might not realize it. There have been so many innovations that have shaped our day-to-day lives. And then you have projects like the carbon capture and storage facility at the Boundary Dam Power Station, which has certainly had a big impact. The innovators that we had last Friday are an indication that there are some very bright people ready to meet that change.

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Second town-hall meeting follows up on health-care concerns of Oxbow and area By Lori Hoffort A town-hall was held at the Memorial Hall in Oxbow on Monday night, with the Saskatchewan Health Authority, politicians, health-care executives and a community representatives committee sharing their progress. Oxbow’s three appointed committee members joined the other individuals from the RM of Enniskillen, the Oxbow Galloway Trust Committee and Southeast Healthcare Recruitment and Retention. The groups have met three times since February’s first town-hall session. The talks have been described as open and respectful. Oxbow’s representatives reported on the talks and the resulting changes that have taken place, as well as the challenges still faced. Tara Brock, Tamara Brock and Treena Mohrbutter prepared a report for the evening. Tamara Brock read the report to the town-hall attendees. She thanked all those who attended, then mentioned that the questions and concerns from the first town-hall meeting in February had been coordinated and turned over to the appropriate department or group. The objective of the meeting was to inform the community about the results so far. Committee representatives started a Facebook page to update and alert the community and area of any service disruptions and service enhancements. These updates will be made available on community message delivery systems as well. The community is encouraged to keep up with the changes in local health-care services. Monday night’s panellists were SHA director Erin Goodfellow; Dr. Vijay Prabhu, family physician/area division lead for SE9; Sheena Grimes, director of primary health care for SE9; Cannington MLA Daryl Harrison; and Prince Albert Northcote MLA Alana Ross. Most of the panel rose to address the community regarding the ongoing work that has been addressed and completed along with the needs of the area still to be resolved. The evening’s moderator directed those in attendance to sign in and count themselves as part of the concerned citizens. Tamara Brock began with the co-operative effort that the staff at the Galloway Health Centre and Oxbow Health Care Auxiliary completed. The two groups worked together to reopen the family

Oxbow-area residents came together to hear the progress that has been made between the SHA and the community representatives committee. area in the multipurpose side of the facility.There was also a new recliner donated to the palliative care room to offer loved ones comfort during their stay. A hard blow was dealt to the health-care team in the area in June when the Galloway Health Centre experienced the departure of two doctors. Two new physicians have been hired since and the community is back up to three doctors again. Dr. Jagjot Kaur and Dr. Nazneen Hussain have accepted positions with the Galloway Health-Centre. One doctor has begun the on-call status, while the other is becoming familiar with the system and community. In the meantime, the virtual physician (VP) program was implemented Aug. 1. This works in conjunction with the 811 line when there is no emergency coverage in Oxbow’s facility. Patients will contact 811 and speak with the nurse on call regarding their symptoms and from there, an assessment will made and determine the state of severity of the individual. The patient will be advised to wait for regular physician hours, to go to the emergency department or to wait for first responders to arrive. Patients that have been directed to go to emergency will speak to a Saskatchewan physician on the VP system once they have been initially assessed by the nurses there at emergency. A plan to treat the individual will be determined and further treatment may require travel to another facility. This is not a permanent solution but merely a bridge to full service once staffing levels have been filled. Tamara Brock added that due to the positive and transparent discussions between the two parties, many projects have been initiated and developed for the area. Oxbow was added

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to the Saskatchewan Rural and Remote Recruitment Incentive program. With this program in place, monetary incentive bonuses of up to $50,000 are available to new employees in nine priority health occupations across 54 rural and remote communities in the province. There is also further incentive of $10,000 to health-care workers from outside of Canada to accept one of these positions and relocate their families to Saskatchewan. Doctors practising or returning to practice may be eligible for up to $200,000 worth of incentives over five years. An agreement will be made to ensure that certain criteria are met and ongoing for a specific period. The focus of this program is on remote and rural communities in Saskatchewan as well. There has been a focus on high school student recruitment as well. Students are encouraged to think about the many career possibilities in health care locally. A $30,000 recruitment incentive allocated over three years is available for successful Saskatchewan students. A high priority is given to rural and remote permanent full-time placements. Mature students are also encouraged to apply. Other successful discussions have led to Dr. Nic Botha being reinstated to his regular on-call duties. Travelling nurses have been acquired in the interim to support the current staff roster.They will continue to fill in until such a time as local staffing levels improve. Registered nurse positions have been added to Oxbow’s Galloway Health Centre and all current staffing levels have been posted for recruitment. The floor was open to questions and concerns from those in attendance. Concerns were expressed about the VP program. Individuals that stood

up and spoke felt that the service was lacking in clarity and professionalism. Many who spoke said they had been directed elsewhere for further assessment and treatment. The consensus of those that stood up was that the VP system left gaps and voids in treatment. Doctor and nurse burnout was mentioned and it is feared that without further support the staff may fall victim again. A barbecue was held Oct. 19, in appreciation of the health-care workers and first responders. Oxbow and area honoured their services with attendance of 315 individuals to celebrate their contributions to the area’s health services. The Rapid Relief Team sponsored the meal, while the Town of Oxbow, the RM of Enniskillen and the Oxbow Health Care Auxiliary gifted all the healthcare workers and first responders with a token of appreciation. The meeting was concluded with a call for everyone to keep advocating with the MLAs and SHA. A form letter was handed out to everyone to use as a guide if needed. Brock encouraged everyone to continue to reach out with questions or concerns. SHA gave also included a Client Concerns and Feedback form. This document included the contact information for Integrated Rural Health. People can call 1-855-778-7708 or email concerns or feedback to ruralclientconcerns@ saskhealthauthority.ca.

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A6 November 29, 2023

www.SASKTODAY.ca

Enjoying their lunch Ava Young, left, and Grace Morrison enjoyed the lunch served at St. Paul's United Church in Estevan on Saturday afternoon. It was all part of the Christmas bazaar, bake sale and lunch at the church's gymnasium. A wide variety of items were available Friday, Saturday and Sunday for customers to choose from, giving the visitors a chance to get a head start on their Christmas shopping or to find a good bargain. Photo by David Willberg

Envision seeking gift card donations for clients Giving Tuesday was on Nov. 28, and Envision Counselling and Support Centre Inc. kicked off its Christmas gift card drive. Cards generated through the fundraiser will be distributed to people in the southeast. "Giving Tuesday is an international day of giving," said Envision communications specialist Raven Daer. "This is a day to celebrate the communities in which we live by coming together and encouraging charitable giving. "At Envision Counselling and Support Centre Inc., we recognize that many of our clients are currently struggling to make ends meet within our communities. The annual gift card campaign is

a truly incredible way to offer a helping hand." The overall goal of Envision's campaign is to offer support and hope during the holidays to clients who may be struggling to get what they need, whether it be food, warm clothes, gifts for the children or even fuel for their vehicles. Gift cards help to fill the gaps that these families may experience during this colder holiday season. Envision also uses gift cards from various businesses to disburse to people who need emergency help, based on their situation. Clients may be going without items such as baby supplies or clothing if they flee a relationship without time to properly pack up. They might need gas cards, specifically to

attend counselling sessions, when they are isolated in a rural location. And particularly this year, they may be unable to purchase gifts for the holidays. "Imagine if every person who was able, donated just one gift card. Whether it be gas or grocery," says Daer. "We would be able to help an incredibly wide number of individuals and families throughout the holiday season, as well as ongoing throughout the year." By donating gift cards, Envision is able to provide support to as many clients in need as possible. This campaign gives individuals more choices and an added sense of empowerment or autonomy, which is really important to the agency. The preferred

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stores are those with gas or grocery options. "When we are sitting with someone in our office who has just left an abusive relationship with nothing but the clothes they are wearing, it is incredibly powerful to be able to hand them a gift card to purchase the items they need for themselves and their children. Things like clothing, toiletries, food, diapers, etc., sometimes even gas cards, to have the means to travel to where their supports are, where they can feel safe and supported," said Envision director of operations Laura Melle. "Whatever their situation or unique needs may be, being able to have these gift cards available to those we support is extremely im-

pactful to see their face lift with a little hope. Together, this is what our community provides," she added. There are three ways to participate in the gift card drive: Gift cards can be dropped off at Envision Counselling offices in Estevan, Weyburn or Carlyle. Call ahead to make arrangements in Estevan at 306-637-4004 Weyburn (306-842-8821) or Carlyle (306-453-2405); Put your donation of gift cards in the mail to Envision Counselling and Support Centre Inc., Box 511, Estevan, SK, S4A 2A5; and Make a monetary donation online. Visit www.envisioncounsellingcentre.com. Choose Gift Card on the

menu option, and Envision will purchase cards to distribute during the holidays. All donations over $10 are able to receive a charitable receipt form. "We are looking forward to another successful gift card campaign with the incredible support of generous and dedicated individuals within our communities," Daer said. "We truly couldn't do it without you."

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Christmas markets underway The Estevan Farmers' Market kicked off another season of its Christmas sales on Saturday. Nearly 30 vendors filled the hallways of the Estevan Market Mall, and they brought a wide variety of merchandise for shoppers. People were eager to purchase some items on their Christmas wish lists and take care of other holiday-related shopping. The sales will be held at the mall every Saturday until Dec. 23 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Miracle on Fourth is back with fun and shopping The Estevan Downtown Business Association is bringing another Miracle on Fourth to the 1100 and 1200 blocks of Fourth Street on Dec. 9 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Robert Godfrey with Lemon Wedge Marketing, which is a part of the DBA, talked about the event. "We are really excited. This year, we've got a lot of great activities coming up," Godfrey said. "We've got a couple of free movies at the Orpheum Theatre. We're going to have some crafts and activities taking place right on Fourth Street. We're going to have

free hot chocolate and hot dogs once again supplied by the Lions Club of Estevan, and we're so thankful for their participation. "We're hoping to have street hockey again this year. We've made some arrangements with the North Pole so Santa is visiting us during Miracle on Fourth Street. "It's just going to be a great day to come downtown. The businesses are all going to have great deals and promotions running, and just [help us] get into the Christmas spirit." New this year will be activities in partnership with

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Estevan emergency services. "We're really thankful to be joined by representatives of the emergency services in Estevan. The fire department, the police and, we hope, Estevan EMS, will be having their annual toy drive for the Estevan Angel Tree during the Miracle on Fourth Street. They'll be set up on Fourth Street during the event, and we're going to have some police cars and fire trucks. You can purchase a toy and bring it to Miracle on Fourth Street and it will be donated to the Estevan Angel Tree. That's going to be really awesome," Godfrey said. "Also, in partnership with the Estevan Fire Rescue, we'll be having some bonfires on Fourth Street. So, people will be able to warm up by some fire pits. And that's going to be a nice Christmassy addition to Miracle on Fourth Street this year." It will be the third edition of the popular downtown event, and Godfrey

Miracle on Fourth has quickly become a popular tradition that is presented by the Estevan Downtown Business Association. File photo said members of the DBA value these opportunities to do something for the community, while also promoting what they have to offer. "We've seen a lot of success with the events that we've had downtown, and

we've seen success in a few different ways. L ooking at the participation of our community, we're always so impressed with how everyone comes out and enjoys these events and activities that we've put on. We've

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One lucky letter will be randomly chosen to win $100. All letters will be entered in the draw, but due to space not all can be printed. By sending in your letter, you give permission to publish your child’s full name and their letter.

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Sask responds to proposed clean electricity regulations By John Cairns of SaskToday.ca The Saskatchewan government has made it known once again that it is not on board with the federal government’s proposed Clean Electricity Regulations (CER). At a news conference at the Legislature on Nov. 21, Minister of Crown Investments Corporation Dustin Duncan outlined the province’s submission to the federal consultations taking place on the Clean Electricity Regulations. He said they were urging the federal government not to proceed with the CER. “The federal government sets an unrealistic goal of net-zero national electricity grid by 2035. It undermines provincial decision making and ignores regional considerations. In Saskatchewan our provincial government and its utility Crown, SaskPower, have a plan to achieve the net-zero emissions from the province’s power sector by 2050. "As we move forward and embark on this path, our government will not sacrifice affordability and system reliability. We need to meet the current and future energy requirements of our residents and communities, businesses and industries, to continue to support a growing province.” Duncan outlined his concerns in a letter penned to federal Minister of Environment Steven Guilbeault. That letter included three main points — that the CER was unaffordable, unconstitutional

and unattainable. In his response, Duncan noted that the costs associated with the CER unaffordable. His letter stated that the federal plan is expected to cost approximately $40 billion in Saskatchewan alone from now until 2035. That number, Duncan told reporters, is based on the different technologies they would need to deploy within the timeframe established by 2035, as well as what the cost would be to proceed with those different technologies. Duncan also pointed to what he described in the letter as “a grossly insufficient federal funding plan, which at present is not even adequate to cover what would be needed in Saskatchewan.” He said that SaskPower projects rates will need to more than double by 2035 — a 107 per cent increase — to cover the costs imposed by the CER and coal regulations. He said the magnitude of such a rate increase would price out residents from the electricity market altogether. "The potential rate hikes, and response to federal regulations, will erode the viability of our industries, impact employment across all sectors, and disproportionately harm lower-income households. Without adequate federal funding to support this major energy transition, these Clean Electricity Regulations are unaffordable for Saskatchewan." Duncan also appointed to overreach by the federal government into provincial

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jurisdiction. He noted the draft regulations contravene Section 92A(1)of the Constitution Act “where provinces are assigned exclusive jurisdiction, for the development, conservation and management of sites and facilities in the province for the generation and production of electrical energy.” “The current top-down approach from the federal government in an attempt to regulate our provincial electrical system is unconstitutional, and it significantly restrains the province’s ability to move towards a net-zero future.” Duncan stated in his letter that the federal proposal is not to build a national net zero electricity grid, but rather to dictate that provincial electrical generating units must be net zero by 2035. He pointed out that there is no national electric electricity grid in Canada to reflect the structure of local electricity markets, available generation operations, constitutional authority, and policy choices of successive provincial governments. “We are not a pan-Canadian grid,” said Duncan. “We are a grid of 10 different provinces that each have our own limitations, our own opportunities, and so that’s really what we’re trying to signal to the federal government.” Unattainable Duncan also noted the federal plan was unattainable. “Saskatchewan has built its electrical grid over 95 years. If the proposed clean energy

Minister responsible for SaskPower Dustin Duncan regulations become law in 2025, it means in just 11 years we would have to expand, rebuild and replace more than 100 per cent of our publiclyowned electrical system to meet regulatory requirements. “In the meantime, we must maintain service reliability for the people of Saskatchewan in all weather. Due to our historic reliance on low-cost, locally-available fossil fuels, and the limited availability of hydro resources, Saskatchewan does not have an alternative reliable source of non-emitting, baseload power to fully replace coal and gas-fired generation in the near term. Our path to a netzero emission grid relies on the potential success on a few key technologies which are

currently in a pre-commercial stage, including small modular reactors, carbon capture on natural gas and long duration utility scale energy storage.” He said SaskPower must plan now for the next decade of reliable, baseload electricity, which can support the buildout of variable wind and solar generation. “Saskatchewan is fully committed to a net-zero power grid by 2050. This commitment is reflected in the ability of millions of dollars that we have already committed to transition to a net-zero future. This includes the first of its kind carbon … capture technology used at Boundary Dam coal-fired generation station and the work the province is doing to

potentially deploy SMR‘s in the mid 2030s. What we are not prepared to do is risk the affordability and reliability of Saskatchewan power grid to attempt the impossible to achieve an arbitrary federal emissions timeline and target… “We are calling on the federal government to acknowledge and accept Saskatchewan’s plan to build and protect our economy, while ensuring the continues viability of our power system and publicly-owned Crown utility for generations to come. Our government will always stand up for a strong Saskatchewan, and firmly protect our constitutional rights and the economic interests of the people of this province.”

Saskatchewan and Ontario to collaborate on SMRs S a s k Po w e r h a s a n nounced it will collaborate with Ontario Power Generation (OPG) and its subsidiary, Laurentis Energy Partners (LEP), to advance Saskatchewan’s small modular reactor (SMR) development project. SaskPower, LEP and OPG, along with Ontario Energy Minister Todd Smith and Saskatchewan Minister Responsible for SaskPower Dustin Duncan, gathered in Regina on Nov. 20 to announce details of a master services agreement to further Canadian deployment

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two companies will also consider opportunities for future collaboration in other areas, including project development and plant operations. Through these agreements, the companies will co-ordinate and enable industry suppliers in Ontario and Saskatchewan to support a Canadian fleet of SMRs. OPG, SaskPower and LEP will work with postsecondary institutions in both provinces to enable and bolster applied research and skills capacity. OPG and SaskPower have selected the GE Hitachi BWRX-300 SMR for potential deployment in their provinces. OPG is also building North America’s first fleet of SMRs at its Darlington New Nuclear site. The first of four SMRs will be completed by the end of 2028, and online by the end of 2029. SaskPower has begun the work of identifying suit-

able sites for a nuclear facility to potentially add the province’s first SMR to Saskatchewan electricity supply mix in the mid-2030s. The Estevan area is one of the finalists. Saskatchewan will decide whether to proceed in 2029. “SaskPower’s clean energy transition is part of a global transformation to a sustainable future – and the best path forward on this journey is through collaboration,” said Rupen Pandya, president and CEO at SaskPower. “Ontario Power Generation and Laurentis Energy Partners bring decades of combined experience in the Canadian nuclear industry, and this expertise is something that will be extremely valuable as part of our SMR development project. I look for ward to working with OPG and LEP on our shared vision of a sustainable and reliable power future.”

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SENIOR LIVING A10 | Wednesday, November 29, 2023 | www.SASKTODAY.ca

Flashback – Dec. 15, 1971 Nine young women completed their Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training program in early December 1971 and were guests of honour at a luncheon reception held at St. Joseph’s Hospital. The CNA program was under the direction of G. Fagerheim. Those receiving their diplomas and gifts from the hospital were, from left, S. Paynter, J. Thompson, C. May, M.L. McCaig, E. Ferster, E. Dearing, T. Hendry, K. Harvey and M. Knudsen.

Centenarian Mary Loppe has seen a lot in her life By Lori Hoffort Mary Loppe is a resident of the Bow Valley Villa in Oxbow. She was born on Dec 13, 1921, and raised in the southeast. She was the youngest of three children. Loppe's father worked at the coal mines near Bienfait. The family lived in the Taylorton Coal Mining camp for several years. Her father moved the family to a farm five kilometres north of town. Loppe and her siblings were close and enjoyed growing up together. She recalls playing in a haystack which resulted in its ruin, much to the consternation of her father. The Loppe children played with neighbours. During the school term, it was understood school, home, chores and work were priorities.

Every evening one of the children would read to their father. He was unable to read himself but enjoyed the text that they read him. Loppe said more than once that families made do with what they had. Farmers had milk cows to supply their family with milk, butter and cream. It was a simpler time. They had chickens for eggs and occasionally they would butcher a chicken to eat. Producers never butchered a cow because that was their way to earn more money. She recalled that a neighbour gave them duck and goose eggs. They incubated them and hatched them for meat once they had matured. Her father was a very hard worker and as the farm progressed under his guidance, he eventually left the coal mine

and farmed full time. In 1929 her father purchased a car. He would take the family for rides on Sundays. He then traded the car the next year for a quarter section of land. The children walked half a mile to and from Rich Perry School. “Father would drive a team of horses and take us to and from school in poor winter weather," she recalled. Her mother was an excellent cook and she taught Loppe the art and passion of cooking and baking, especially Ukrainian dishes. Loppe put these skills to work at the age of 16, when she was hired as a cook for a neighbour’s boarding house. Loppe sparkled when she recalled her first purchase that she made with her earnings. “I bought black, shiny dress shoes with an inch and a

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half heel.” Loppe would have loved to have gone to university to become a teacher. However, there was no money for that. She did attend university classes for six months as a seamstress. Upon her return, she taught sewing classes in the area for six or seven years. Loppe still crotchets and knits. She embroiders and is an avid reader. Loppe mentioned that she did not have any projects on the go. “I don’t need anything,” said Loppe. Her eyesight is still quite good as is her hearing. Loppe is quite mobile and only uses a walker for stability. What was the biggest change that she recalled taking place? She answered that it was the car, the speed of travel and the convenience, which she said was a game changer. In 1940, at the age of 19, she wedded Leonard Loppe. He also worked at the coal mine during the winter and farmed

Mary Loppe shared her love of life and family. full time. They were married almost 74 years when he passed at the age of 96 in 2013. They had three boys and two girls. All are still alive and all live quite close in proximity to her. Her husband served on 23 tours across Germany and they were all successful. He lost

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a cousin in active duty and a brother in training. They were all close and these men are remembered daily. The Loppes enjoyed travel in their retirement and visited many different areas.They spent 22 winters in Yuma, Ariz. Mary recalled going across the border to Mexico for a huge steak dinner for $3. This made her chuckle. They also enjoyed the Bahamas and Haiti. Loppe is proud to say that there are now five generations in the family. At the gentle age of 100 Mary took a ride with her grandson on his motorcycle. She still loves to walk but is aware of the risks on ice and will be walking inside through the winter. The villa’s grounds and flower beds make a beautiful walking path through the summer. As for her secret to living so well, she said, “Live with purpose and do what makes you happy. Be yourself and do what you want."

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CLASSIFIEDS A11 | Wednesday, November 29, 2023 | www.SASKTODAY.ca Obituaries Trudy Lynne Wetsch 1944-2023 It is with heavy hearts that the family wishes to announce that Trudy Wetsch passed away unexpectedly in Regina, SK on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at the age of 78 years. Trudy was born to William and Marguerite King December 16, 1944. One of six children, she adored her three sisters and two brothers. Trudy was always one to march to the beat of her own drum. At only 16 years old she moved to Edmonton to complete hair dressing school. She started her career in Weyburn but eventually made her way back to Estevan and worked as a hairdresser at Eddies, Mildred’s and Blue Orchid. She adored her bosses immensely and spoke of them with great fondness. She eventually fulfilled her dream of owning her own salon. Our mom loved her clients and made many life-long friendships along the way. She was social, witty, and loved to talk. She could definitely hold up her side of the conversation. She had many hobbies, but she especially loved sewing, and sewed many cute outfits for her children Tanya and T.J., making them very well dressed and stylish. She even sewed for her grandchildren. She loved DIY projects, always working on something, building, fixing, redoing. She even did her kitchen floor to look like tile and it looked amazing. She was a lady years ahead of her time. I told her she should have been born in New York City. She was so fashion forward having pink hair, long before pink hair was in. She always had big dreams and big ideas. She loved her place in Texas and had that place decorated and fixed up looking like a million bucks even though she was very thrifty. She just had a knack at what worked. She loved gardening and plants. She was always outside when she could be, watering, pruning and picking any weed. Her yard was immaculate. Even with her MS it rarely slowed her down. If you knew mom you know just how vibrant and beautiful she was. She lit up a room with her smile and personality. She loved her family so much. Her children, grandchildren and recently promoted to great grandma she loved being around everyone. Playing cards, joking, teasing, loving every minute of it. She loved being part of the action. She is going to be missed terribly by everyone but especially her sisters and their 7pm nightly FaceTime calls. This is a huge void that we will all just have to try to overcome and it will never be the same without her. Trudy was predeceased by her mom Marguerite King (Billington), her dad William King and older brother Wayne and her brother- in- law Gord Hamill. Left to cherish her memory is her husband Lawrence; their dog Rider; her daughter Tanya (Deron) Kuski, granddaughter Jayde (Shea) great granddaughter Sophie, Andrew (Brenna) Kuski, great grandson Henry, and great granddaughters Aubrey and Eleanor; Brayden Kuski, Ethan Kuski and Caden Kuski; her son T.J. (Brittney) Wetsch, daughter Bailey (David) Jacob, Page, Emily and Carter. Trudy will be greatly missed by her sisters, Brenda (John) Kvamme, Heather Hamill, Betty (Matt) Fichter and brother Les King and sister- in- law Aileen King. A Celebration of Trudy’s life will take place at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church on Thursday December 7, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Adrian Kramer presiding. Lunch will be held in the church auditorium followed by a private family interment at Souris Valley Memorial Gardens. A live stream of the Celebration of Life will be available. Please visit Trudy’s tribute page at www.hallfuneralservices.ca for details. Those wishing to pay tribute to Trudy via a donation in her memory may do so directly to the Estevan Humane Society, Box 1095, Estevan, SK S4A 2H7. Hall Funeral Services in Estevan is caring for Trudy’s family - Deb Heidinger, Funeral Director. Mary Elizabeth “Elma” Becker 1927 - 2023 It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye and celebrate the wonderful life of our beloved Mum, Grandma, and Great Grandma, Elma Becker of Regina, Sask., formerly of Estevan, Sask. Elma leaves her 3 daughters and their families to mourn her passing: Wendy (Dana) Sokalofsky and Willadell (Dennis) Garreck of Regina, and Wilma (Lance) Mack of Estevan; grandchildren, Rechel (Craig), Brett (Reena), Lyndsay (Jeremy), Brennen (Amanda), Graham, Jeremy (Robyn), Aaron (Channy) and Nolan (Courtney), as well as ten precious great grandchildren. She will also be lovingly remembered by her sister Beverly (Lloyd) McCabe; brother Sandy Milne, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Elma was predeceased by her husband Vernon Becker; parents: William & Mary Milne; parents-in-law Henry & Lou Becker; sister-in-law Marie Milne, and grandson Christopher. The Funeral Service in honour of Elma will be held on Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s United Church, Estevan, with Sandy Dalziel officiating. Please join the family for a time of fellowship and refreshments in the church auditorium immediately following the service. Interment will take place at Souris Valley Memorial Gardens. A live stream of the Funeral Service will be available. Please visit Elma’s tribute page at www.hallfuneralservices.ca for details. Those wishing to pay tribute to Elma via a donation in her memory may do so directly to the Estevan Humane Society, Box 1095, Estevan, SK S4A 2H7 or online at www.estevanhumanesociety.ca. Elma’s family would like to thank the staff at College Park II for the wonderfully compassionate care and concern. Hall Funeral Services in Estevan is caring for Elma’s family Dustin Hall, Funeral Director.

Wanted

In MeMorIaM

Brian Donald Ritchie 1960-2023 Brian Ritchie late of Campbell River, BC and formerly of Estevan, SK passed away at his home on Friday, October 20, 2023 at the age of 63 years. Brian was predeceased by his father Don in 2017. Brian is survived by his mother Marie Ritchie, Estevan, SK; sister Karen (Brenden) Shauf, Estevan, SK; nieces, Semiah Harding, Saskatoon, SK and Kasia Harding, Estevan, SK and former wife and friend Jullianne Bissette. Brian was the eldest child born to Don and Marie Ritchie and was raised in Estevan, SK. Brian worked as a pipefitter in Saskatchewan, Alberta and finally made a home in Campbell River, B.C. He had an amazing home with a beautiful view of the ocean and mountains, which he loved. Brian had a love of sports, with his favourite being hockey, but golf and baseball were close behind. Some of his favourite memories and stories that he loved to tell were of hockey. He played goalie for the Estevan Bears Senior Hockey League. Brian also loved to travel to various NHL games, ball games and the Superbowl. A Celebration of Brian’s Life will be held at Hall Funeral Services, Estevan, SK on Tuesday, December 5, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. with Sandy Dalziel officiating. Interment will take place at the Estevan City Cemetery. A time of fellowship and lunch will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion, Estevan Branch. A live stream of the Celebration of Life will be available using this link: https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=5263a7 b3-88c0-4af8-8116-9f33c48d5736 A video recording will also be available for 90 days following, using the same link. Hall Funeral Services in Estevan is caring for Brian’s family Deb Heidinger, Funeral Director.

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Those we love don’t go away They walk beside us everyday Unseen, unheard, but always near Still loved, still missed And very dear.

Fire crews respond to six calls in a three-day span The Estevan Fire Rescue Service’s members responded to a variety of calls last week, including fire and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms, a grass fire, structure fires and more. On Nov. 22 just after noon, firefighters were dispatched to a grass fire occurring southeast of the city. Upon arrival, crews found a small area burning. Members quickly contained and extinguished the fire. No injuries or damage were reported from the incident. The cause is under investigation. The same day just after 7 p.m., the EFR was called to a residential fire alarm in south Estevan. Incident command responded and determined the alarm was activated by work being done in the building and there was no emergency. A commercial CO alarm went off in a building in north Estevan on Nov. 23 around

4 a.m. Crews responded and investigated, and picked up low readings of CO throughout the building. It was determined that it might be a possible issue with the alarm system, so the building was turned back over to the staff to further investigate the incident. Nov. 24 turned busy for the department. EFRS members were dispatched to a structure fire occurring in northcentral Estevan at about 11:40 a.m. “Upon arrival, we found light smoke throughout the structure. Crews made entry, further investigated and found a small fire occurring on a kitchen appliance. We quickly dealt with that and confirmed fire extinguishment, then ventilated all the smoke from the structure. We were on scene for about an hour. The cause of that is still under investigation. No injuries to report from that one,” said

Fire Chief Rick Davies. The same day, at about 8 p.m., the EFRS also received a report of a three-vehicle collision in central Estevan. Incident command arrived on scene and determined that their assistance wasn’t required, so crews stood down. Shortly after that, at about 8:30 p.m., firefighters were dispatched to another structure fire in central Estevan. “Crews responded and found a small fire with an electrical appliance occurring. Power was isolated and the fire was quickly contained. Overhaul was completed in the area to ensure no fire extension and confirm fire extinguishment. No injuries were reported from that one, minor damage to the area that was involved. Crews were on the scene for just over an hour. That one is under investigation as well,” Davies said.

Motorist arrested for impaired driving after collision Members of the Estevan Police Service were called to a multi-vehicle collision in the city centre. Police located the driver of the offending vehicle and a 34-year-old Estevan man was arrested for driving while impaired and driving while suspended. He was also issued a ticket for having or consuming open alcohol in a vehicle. The man was released and will speak to those charges at a later date. In other recent police news, a 43-year-old Estevan woman was arrested and charged Nov. 20 for theft as a result of a shoplifting matter that occurred at a central Estevan grocery store. She will make her first court appearance in Estevan Provincial Court on Jan. 15, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. As a result of an investigation, a 46-year-old Estevan man was arrested and charged Nov. 21 with two counts of criminal

harassment and two counts of uttering threats. He was released and will speak to those charges in December. The EPS received a report of a Reader’s Digest scam, in which the person was told they won $880,000. No information was provided in relation to claiming the money. Police received a report of a male not complying with conditions of his undertaking. This matter is under investigation. Officers received a report of uttering threats that remains under investigation. Police are investigating a possible breach of a release order as the subject was on conditions not to attend a specific home. Members are investigating a report of mischief in the downtown core on Nov. 23. Police received another report of harassment. This matter is under investigation. The EPS says it dealt with 53 occurrences from Nov. 24-

26. Calls for service included criminal harassment, fraud, impaired drivers, traffic collisions, uttering threats and disturbing the peace. Seventeen people were issued tickets for violations under the Traffic Safety Act. A report of uttering threats is under investigation. Members received a report of harassment. The subject of the complaint was identified and charges are pending. Police conducted a conditions check and as a result, a 27-year-old man from Estevan was charged for failing to comply with his release conditions. Officers conducted a traffic stop in which the driver refused to provide his driver’s licence. He was arrested for resisting/obstructing a police officer and also issued a traffic ticket for the violation that initiated the traffic stop. He will speak to those charges at a later date.

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In loving memory of Albert Daniels Dec 24, 1939-Dec 02, 2022. Loved and remembered by wife Irene, father of son David, daughters Karen Goudy and Suzanne Ronceray (deceased). Grandchildren Keith Goudy, Stacia Goudy, Krista Kickley, Brittany (deceased), Kyle and Kenzie Ronceray and spouses. Great grandchildren Aspen and Kashton Kickley, Kenley Irwin and Jax MacDonald. Those that touch our lives, stay in our hearts forever.

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A12 November 29, 2023

www.SASKTODAY.ca

EPS calls for service up 23.2 per cent for first 10 months of 2023 The Estevan Police Service has seen an increase in most of its crime numbers for the first 10 months of the year. Numbers compiled for the Nov. 22 meeting of the Estevan board of police commissioners show the EPS has had 6,909 calls for service through Oct. 31, up 23.2 per cent from the 5,610 calls received for the same time period last year. There were 673 calls for service in October, compared to 604 from

October 2022. The EPS handled 12 crimes against people in October, with nine assaults, two assaults causing bodily harm and one sexual crime. There were 10 assaults and two assaults causing bodily harm in October 2022. For the first 10 months of the year, there were 118 crimes against people, with 89 assaults, 21 sexual crimes and eight assaults causing bodily harm. There were 126 such crimes in the first 10

months of last year. Fo r t y - s e v e n c r i m e s against property were filed in October, up from 26 from the same month in 2022. Twenty-six were thefts under $5,000, up substantially from seven in October 2022. Last month also saw 14 mischief/ willful damage complaints, six calls for residential break and enters and one theft over $5,000. So far this year, there have been 340 crimes against property, up 16 per cent from

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294 for the same period last year. There have been 170 thefts under $5,000, 111 mischief/willful damage complaints, 40 break and enters – including 37 for residences, two for businesses and one for other, 10 thefts of a motor vehicle, eight thefts over $5,000 and one arson. Police Chief Rich Lowen said the EPS tries to monitor where these occurrences happen, but there isn't a pattern that can be specifically identified. They have

Notice is hereby given under The Tax Enforcement Act that unless the arrears and costs appearing opposite the land and title number described in the following list are fully paid before the 29th day of January 2024, an interest based on a tax lien will be registered against the land. Note: A sum for costs in an amount required by subsection 4(3) of The Tax Enforcement Act is included in the amount shown against each parcel. DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY

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Title No.

Total Arrears

Costs

Total Arrears And Costs

Lot

Blk

Plan

N&T

AF2174

83R51261

$154.81

$10.67

$165.48

10756

88R72281

$935.20

$10.67

$945.87

15-16

B4947

74R08548

$222.00

$10.67

$232.67

1-2

10756

76R00269

$887.60

$10.67

$898.27

B4947

98SE05245

$837.46

$10.67

$848.13

ALL

61A02222

98SE09169G

$5740.31

$10.67

$5750.98

20-21

10756

95R39186

$1320.94

$10.67

$1331.61 $232.67

B4767

61A02447

$222.00

$10.67

U-P

AF2174

89R61261

$438.49

$10.67

$449.16

Par A & 3

39744

77R12431

$3058.68

$10.67

$3069.35

4-6

39744

91R21908

$95.31

$10.67

$105.98

7-8

39744

93R15527

$95.31

$10.67

$105.98

10756

91R24321

$2232.57

$10.67

$2243.24

10756

97R11695

$1083.50

$10.67

$1094.17

11-12

B4947

97R72888

$3125.15

$10.67

$3135.82

Par I

101245395

87R57697

$1207.77

$10.67

$1218.44

10756

77R16733

$203.60

$10.67

$214.27

5-7

B4947

79R25671

$263.16

$10.67

$273.83

made some arrests for these infractions during the year. One charge for trafficking was laid under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act in October, while no charges were laid under the act in October 2022. Twentyseven CDSA charges have been laid this year, with 14 for trafficking and 13 for possession, compared to 25 for the first 10 months of 2022. As for Criminal Code traffic violations, 10 charges were laid for impaired and exceed-related offences, three for impairment by drug and one for dangerous driving and other. It compares to 15 charges in October 2022. A total of 132 charges for Criminal Code traffic violations have been laid this year, compared to only 91 for the first 10 months of last year. There have been 101 impaired/exceed-related offences through Oct. 31, up 46 per cent from last year's 69 for the same time. Lowen pointed out impaired driving numbers have been up across the province. The 6,909 calls for ser-

vice is down .6 per cent from the five-year average of 6,949. The monthly report for Special Const. Anna Volmer, who is the city's bylaw enforcement officer, shows she had 77 occurrences last month, led by 21 animal calls, 14 unkempt property violations, 11 parking violations and 14 listed as other bylaw. She had 1,107 calls for the first 10 months of the year, led by 224 animal calls, 208 unkempt property inspections, 172 parking violations, 76 snow removal notices and 248 other bylaw infractions. Five cat traps were set up last month. Mayor Roy Ludwig suggested being proactive with the number of cats at the Willow Park Greens Home Park, by setting up traps to get the cats caught and neutered before they start breeding in the spring. Insp. Warren Morrical said it will be important to deploy the traps properly, but he also cautioned that it's difficult to deploy them when its -20 C because they don't want to harm the animals they're trying to help.

Royal Canadian

Dated this 29 day of November, 2023 Stacey Johnson Administrator th

Annual General Meeting

Wednesday, December 6th Cocktails: 5:30 pm Dinner: 6:30 pm Election of Officers to follow Supper Tickets $20 each Available @ office or call 634-3135

City Hall: 1102 4th Street 8 am to 4:30 pm | (306) 634-1800

Leisure Office: 701 Souris Avenue 8 am to 4:30 pm | (306) 634-1880

Mayor’s Message Please get out and enjoy the fun activities this weekend, there is Holiday Mini-Golf at the Estevan Public Library from December 1st to 3rd, the Estevan Army Cadets Annual Christmas Craft and Trade Show at the Legion Hall from 10:00am to 4:00pm and Estevan Lion’s Free Swim at Leisure Services from 1:00pm to 5:00pm, both on Saturday, December 2nd.

PUBLIC NOTICE The Council of the City of Estevan pursuant to the Cities Act that the Council of the City of Estevan, gives notice of its intention to implement a bylaw to regulate buildings within the City of Estevan On November 13, 2023 meeting the first reading of the Bylaw 2023-2076 was passed and the final readings is expected to be on November 27, 2023 for implementation of January 1, 2024. This bylaw will be the new Building Bylaw and some of the changes will be: Ø Service fees, deposits, and construction valuations will now be found in the City of Estevan Service Fees Bylaw Ø Moving and demolition permits expiry dates will be reduced . Ø Permit extensions will be now available if deemed acceptable by the Building Official. Ø Legislative changes updated. The proposed Bylaws 2023-2076 may be inspected by any person in the City Clerk’s Office, on the main level of City Hall, between the hours of 9 am and 4 pm, Monday to Friday. Dated this l41h day of November, 2023. Judy Pilloud City Clerk 11 02 41h Street, Estevan, SK S4A 0W7

MEMBER AT LARGE NEEDED! THE ESTEVAN BOARD OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS The City of Estevan invites interested citizens to sit on The Estevan Board of Police Commissioners. If you are interested in becoming a Member at Large, please send a letter explaining your qualifications and what past experiences you have that could benefit this board in writing to: Judy Pilloud, City Clerk, City of Estevan • 1102, Fourth Street, Estevan, Saskatchewan, S4A 0W7 cityclerk@estevan.ca Criminal Records Check may be required upon request.

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A13 | Wednesday, November 29, 2023 | www.SASKTODAY.ca

601 - 5th St. • Estevan, SK

Lots of kids, goals and teddy bears at Bruin games By David Willberg The Estevan Bruins' home games last week had special promotions and lots of goals. Estevan won 8-5 over the Notre Dame Hounds Wednesday afternoon during their inaugural Hooky for Hockey game, and lost 8-5 to the Weyburn Red Wings Saturday during the annual Teddy Bear Toss Night. Hooky for Hockey was a big success, both on the ice and in the stands. The Bruins scored five times in the opening nine minutes of the game, and the announced crowd was 2,106 spectators despite the 12:30 p.m. start time. The club distributed free tickets to local school students to attend the game, and students, teachers and support staff accounted for the majority of the crowd. The young people were loud throughout, cheering on the Bruins when they made

their way onto the ice for each period, after the club scored and when kids were prompted to by the announcer or the centre-ice score clock. They sang along with music and chanted throughout the afternoon. As for the game itself, Blake Heward, Kaelen Whittingham, Tristan Dussault, Ilia Chmelevski and Zachery Burns scored the Bruins' goals in the first half of the first period. Cyprus Smith-Davis put the Hounds on the board with less than nine minutes to play in the opening frame, but Owen Barrow scored with 21 seconds left in the opening frame to leave the Bruins up by five. "Today was a blast. The kids were loud. It was probably the biggest day of the year so far, and I'm just thrilled. The energy was unmatched and it was a big part of our win today," said Chmelevski, who added four assists for a five-point game

on his 19th birthday. Whittingham added his second of the game 38 seconds into the second period for a 7-1 advantage. Vincent Palmarin and DJ Freigang scored for Hounds to make it a 7-3 game after two periods, and MacLean Cooney's goal midway through the third pulled the Hounds to within three. Zach Burfoot responded to make it 8-4 and dashed any hopes of a miracle Hounds' comeback. Kyle Kalamaras scored for Notre Dame with 77 seconds to play. Cam Hrdlicka and Jackson Miller split the goaltending duties for Estevan. Jesse Pye and Johann Tremblay-Kau were in goal for Notre Dame. Chmelevski said he never expected to play in front of such a crowd. "When I got out there, it was loud, and it really pumped me up to play," Chmelevski said. Head coach and general

Estevan Bruin players clean up teddy bears from the ice after scoring their first goal against Weyburn on Saturday.

Young people turned out in droves for the Estevan Bruins' inaugural Hooky for Hockey game last Wednesday. manager Jason Tatarnic also praised the crowd and the environment. He hopes the Bruins will do it again. "It was a good event for those kids and even for our players to play in front of a crowd like that," said Tatarnic. Estevan started well on Saturday with Felix Allard opening the scoring at the 2:07 mark. Since it was Teddy Bear Toss Night, fans tossed stuffed animals on the ice after Allard's marker. The game was delayed for several minutes while the bears were collected and bagged. The bears were then taken to the Estevan Salvation Army, who will distribute the Bears to people in the community. Cade Meiklejohn tied the game a few minutes later for Weyburn. Whittingham restored the Bruins' lead midway through the first period, but Meiklejohn scored his second

of the game moments later to tie it up again. It remained a 2-2 game until midway through the second, when former Bruin Brendan Hunchak scored on a short-handed breakaway to put the Wings ahead. Jacob Visentini and Max Monette tallied shortly after Hunchak's goal. Ilia Chmelevski and Zach Burfoot scored 70 seconds apart to pull the Bruins to within one, but Max Monette's goal with seven seconds remaining in the second put Weyburn ahead 6-4 after two periods. Goals by Carter Briltz and Jerome Maharaj added to Weyburn's lead in the third. Chmelevski rounded out the scoring midway through the final frame. Cam Hrdlicka stopped 22 shots for Estevan, and Dazza Mitchell had 39 saves for Weyburn.

The Bruins (10-10-0-2) have now lost four of their last five games, and have surrendered 32 goals in that span. In off-ice news, the club has dealt defenceman Michael Gallant to the Weyburn Red Wings for goaltender Eric Kahl. Both players have played junior hockey this season but still have U18 eligibility. Tatarnic said he thought the Gallant trade was best for both sides, while a decision hasn't been made on Kahl's status for the rest of the season. "He's a very good goalie, he's a young guy and somebody that we'd like to have in our plans," said Tatarnic. The Bruins' next five games will be on the road, starting with contests at the Battlefords North Stars on Dec. 1 and the Kindersley Klippers the following night.

Talented artistic swimmers flock to Estevan The Estevan Mermaids Artistic Swimming Club hosted competitors from across the province on the weekend for the Marnie Eistetter Training Meet and Development Camp at the Estevan Leisure Centre. A total of 64 athletes competed in the figures meet on Saturday and 72 were at a camp that occurred on Sunday. Joining the host Mermaids were swimmers from Regina Synchro, Saskatoon Aqualenes and Weyburn Artistic Swimming Club. The figures portion of the weekend saw athletes compete in the under-10, U12, novice, youth and junior divisions on Saturday. Since it is a figures camp, the athletes do not swim a routine, but they did show their technique and skill for the judges by performing figures, which are evaluated as they would be at any other meet. Among the local club members, in junior figures, Ava Allen was sixth and Rowyn Shier was ninth. In youth figures, Sierra Mantei came in 15th. Mahaley Fonstad was

Youth and junior swimmers with the Estevan Mermaids were eager to get into the pool at provincials. Photo by Jessica Saxon 16th, Isabelle Pyra was 17th, Sarah Pyra was 22nd and Rory Miller was 26th. Coaches Amber Mantei and Kelsey Potoma said they were proud

of the athletes and their results for the first competition of the season. Awards for the meet and the 2022-23 season were handed out during a banquet on Saturday night

at the Wylie-Mitchell building. Isabelle Pyra won the Saskatchewan Artistic Swimming Pathways Athlete of the Year Award, and Lainey Halkyard was named the Limited Competitive Athlete of the Year. Pyra, Rowyn Shier and Sasha Mantei were recognized for being selected for the high-performance development program and the summer performance team. Tara Shier, Heather Pyra and Amanda Fonstad were presented with Volunteer Service Awards for those with three to five years of experience. Supper was catered by FiredUp Grill and the theme for the banquet was Greek. The weekend concluded Sunday with a development camp that included lessons on kickboxing and stick mobility. The Encompass Fitness Studio offered nutrition tips, while pool sessions were instructed by various coaches from Saskatoon and the high-performance director. Mantei said hosting the Marnie Eistetter Competition and Development Camp in Estevan

allowed clubs from other cities to experience what the Estevan Mermaids and the city of Estevan have to offer. "Saskatchewan Artistic Swimming competitions are mainly held in either Saskatoon or Regina, so this competition allows the smaller clubs an opportunity to host one meet in the season," Mantei said in an email to the Mercury. "It was an honour for the Estevan Mermaids to be chosen for this year." Eistetter is one of four women inducted into the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame for artistic swimming. She began her career in 1949 as an athlete who was coached by Sadie Caulder Knight. In 1971, when her daughters joined artistic swimming, Eistetter began her volunteer career. Since that time, she filled many roles, such as Synchro Sask. board member, treasurer, nominations committee chairwoman, chief scorer, coach, judge, operations chairwoman for Synchro Canada and more.

Estevan Bears defeated twice by Warman The Estevan Great North U18 AAA Bears hosted the Warman Wildcats for a couple of games on the weekend at Affinity Place. The Bears dropped a 7-1 decision Saturday. Carter Onrait opened the scoring just over

six minutes into the first period, but the Wildcats took over from there. Warman led 2-1 after the first period and 5-1 after 40 minutes. Cohen Klassen led the offensive attack for the Wildcats with two goals and two assists,

while Hudson Brehaut had two goals and a helper. Ty Fehrenbach had 25 saves for the Bears. The following day, Estevan had a 2-0 lead on first-period goals by Onrait and Kade McIvor. Warman rallied to tie the

game with markers 49 seconds apart in the final two minutes of the opening frame. Warman took the lead 29 seconds into the second period, but Cooper Flath tied the game a few minutes later. The Wildcats regained the advantage for

good with goals in the second half of the middle frame. Fehrenbach made 18 saves for Estevan. The Bears (11-9-3) will visit the Notre Dame Hounds on Nov. 29, and the Moose Jaw Warriors on Dec. 2 and 3.

COMMUNITY EVENTS WARM WELCOME KITCHEN

Tuesdays @ St. Giles Thursday @ Trinity Lutheran Church 5:30 to 6:30

68 Souris Ave. N. Estevan SK S4A 2M3

306.634.2654

Good News!! Warm Welcome Kitchen is open! We will be serving suppers on Tuesdays and Thursdays. All are welcome to come out and enjoy these free meals.

ESTEVAN KINSMEN

Christmas Tree Fundraiser Canadian Tire Parking Lot Starts Thursday, November 23 at 6:00pm Weekdays 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Saturday 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm Sunday 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm Proceeds go to support local community events and serve the community’s greatest needs

ESTEVAN FARMERS MARKET INDOOR CHRISTMAS SALE Saturdays @ 9:00am to 2:00pm Estevan Market Mall We are back!!!! Christmas Sales are finally here!!! Many new vendors and of course all your familiar favourites!

ESTEVAN ARMY CADETS ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CRAFT & TRADE SHOW December 2, 2023 - 10am - 4pm Estevan Legion Hall All proceeds go towards the local Estevan Army Cadet program. For more information or to book a table, contact Joanne @ (306) 421-6728

Do you know a Non-Profit organization that has an Event or Fundraiser coming up? For more information contact Christine @ cjones@estevanmercury.ca or (306) 634-2654

ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH Make Music with Friends Monday, December 4, 2023 1:00 - 4:00 pm

Do you play a musical instrument and like meeting interesting people? Do you like to get together and play along with others? Enjoy the spontaneous musical collaboration of a Jam Session! Call (306)421-7538

A14 November 29, 2023

www.SASKTODAY.ca

ECS Elecs football team hands out awards The Estevan Comprehensive School Elecs football team wrapped up its 2023 season Tuesday night by handing out its year-end awards at the school’s cafetorium. Grade 11 student Hayden Holmgren was named the team’s MVP and defensive player of the year. Head coach Mark Schott said Holmgren excelled in all three facets of the game, playing as a wide receiver on offence, a kick returner on special teams and a defensive back. “He was a big target for us at the wide receiver spot who our quarterbacks connected with numerous times for big plays, and he had some excellent punt returns and kickoff returns that set up our offence with great field position,” said Schott in an email to the Mercury and SaskToday. “He was great on special teams and offence but dominated as a lockdown defensive back. His height, length and speed allowed him to shut down the opposing team’s top receivers. He had multiple interceptions and many pass knockdowns, and it seemed like he was in on every tackle on the field as his relentless pursuit of the ball was a huge asset to our defence.”

Preston McGuire and Jayren Schulz also won multiple awards. McGuire was named the team’s offensive player of the year for his play at running back, the top special teams’ player for his efforts as a punter and kick returner, and he shared the Who Are We?/Bryan Illerbrun Memorial Award with Schulz and Phoenix Johnston. Schulz, who played linebacker for the Elecs this season, also took home the Players’ Choice Award as voted by his teammates. Johnston played both offensive and defensive lineman this past season. I llerbr un, who hailed from Gainsborough, spent 14 years playing in the CFL as an offensive lineman, winning two Grey Cups, including a championship with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 1989. The Who are We/Illerbrun Award is one of the top awards for the Elecs each season. Other award winners were: Top rookie: defensive back Jayden Smith; Top lineman: offensive lineman Mike Schroeder; and Ironman: defensive back and linebacker Thomas Harrison.

Hayden Holmgren, middle, accepts the MVP award from head coach Mark Schott, left, and defensive co-ordinator Chris Bayerle. Photo by Pat Ford

Redvers Rockets win twice in Big Six play The reigning champions in the Big Six Hockey League picked up a couple more wins on the weekend. The Redvers Rockets scored four times in the third period to break open a 4-3 game and defeat the Bienfait Coalers 8-3 on Friday night. Presten Kopeck (three goals and an assist) and Jordon Miller (one goal and three assists) each had four points for Redvers. Bradey Fidierchuk scored twice, and Koltyn Miller and Travis Poirier also scored. Taysen Holt, Jason Hengen and Wyatt Garagan had Bienfait's goals. Cody Matthewson was the Rockets' goalie, while Zack Miller was in net for Bienfait. The Moosomin Rangers remained the

only undefeated team in league play with a 7-2 victory over the Carnduff Red Devils. Bud Holloway scored twice in the opening six minutes of the first period to put the Rangers ahead early, and added two more in the second. He added an assist for a five-point game. Jaxon Elmes had two goals and Ryker Cole also scored for the Rangers. Brock Trotter had four helpers. Ben Hiltz and Ty Stovin scored for Carnduff. Kyler Beckett (Moosomin) and Cody Dumaine (Carnduff ) were in goal. The lone game on Saturday saw the Carlyle Cougars defeat the Kipling-Windthorst Oil Kings 6-2. Jesse Gabrielle scored twice for Carlyle, while Adrien Riddell, Kolby Morrisseau, Nikita Kovalenko and Ben John-

stone also scored. Kai Jooristy and Austin Fleck had the Oil Kings' goals. Landon Audet was the Cougars' goalie, while Dylan Dedecker was in goal for the Oil Kings. Two games were played on Sunday night. The Redvers Rockets doubled up the Midale Mustangs 8-4. Jordon Miller had two goals and three assists for a five-point game for the Rockets, and John Potapinski, Braeden Magotiaux, Jordan Enger, Kopeck, Francis Lamotte and Drew Hoff had singles. Dallyn Smallchild added three assists. Dallas Kickley, Devon Johnson, Sterling Bear and Cain Thompson had Midale's goals. Thomas Bauche was in goal for Redvers, and Zac Eaton was Midale's netminder.

Sunday's other game saw the Coalers score four times in the second period and upend the Oil Kings 6-4. Kaelen Holt had two goals for Bienfait, and Ryan Curzon, Kaiden Tuchscherer, Erik McKersie and Klae Bayda also scored. Zack Miller was in goal. Fleck had two goals for Kipling-Windthorst. Luc Englot and Brandon Munro also scored. Dylan Dedecker was the goalie. Three games are slated for Dec. 1: the Wawota Flyers at the Cougars, the Oxbow Huskies at the Rockets and the Oil Kings at the Rangers. The Red Devils will visit the Coalers and the Rockets are at the Mustangs on Dec. 2. Those games start at 8 p.m. The Flyers will be at the Coalers on Dec. 3, starting at 5 p.m.

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Southey, SK - December 13